Why Empower Lebanon, why now?

I spent years searching for the best way to give back to Lebanon, the country of my birth.

It all goes back to my childhood in Mayrouba, a village tucked deep within Mount Lebanon. At an early age, Lebanese pride was instilled in me at home, school, and at the Scouts du Liban ("Boy Scouts of Lebanon"). I learned the virtues of being a good citizen, being loyal to my country, and serving it to the best of my ability. When I was ten years old, around Christmastime, my school organized a community service trip to the town of Jounieh to visit with and assist underprivileged families living in deep poverty. That experience was pivotal for me. It was the first time in my life that I saw such destitute conditions. To this day, I still remember the glowing smiles on the children's faces as we shared Christmas gifts. I have never forgotten the feeling of knowing that I made a difference in someone else's life, that with a small act of kindness, I may have—even if only for a fleeting moment—made another kid's life just a little better.

Early on I developed a love for the Lebanese Army—the only institution in a country ravaged by the horrors of a fierce civil war that stood apart as the defender of all the people of Lebanon. During my teenage years, I participated in several causes and led protests supporting a free Lebanon. After high school, my childhood dream of attending the military academy was cut short when my parents, fearing for my safety, facilitated my travel to the United States to attend university there.

I left Lebanon for America. But I always felt indebted to my birthplace for bestowing on me a solid moral foundation, a firm sense of self, and a get-up-when-you-get-knocked-down mindset. These traits got me through college and dental school and served me later on in my private practice and business endeavors. 

Becoming an American citizen was another milestone in my life. Coming of age here in the US, I learned the meaning of freedom, democracy, and philanthropy. I am proud to call the greatest country on earth home, where individual liberties are protected and civic responsibility is cherished.

While visiting Lebanon in the summer of 2019, my good friend Zack Bazzi introduced me to Roads for Life, a local NGO working to improve trauma care in emergency rooms and provide training for first responders. Roads for Life also trains Lebanese Army soldiers on basic first aid. A simple first aid kit, along with proper training, could save soldiers' and civilians' lives. The mission and its simplicity inspired me. I thought to myself, "What if thousands of soldiers and first responders could be properly equipped?" The impact would be countrywide.

I decided to put my thoughts into action, and a few months later, Empower Lebanon was born. The mission is simple yet profound: to improve the lives of the Lebanese people. We have three main focus areas: promote communal stability and social cohesion, protect the environment—Lebanon's most precious asset—and help those living in poverty. We do so by partnering with community-based organizations with spotless records of accomplishment, integrity, and success.

All those years ago my class shared the spirit of Christmas with children in need. Now, our Empower Lebanon team, fueled by inspired members of the Lebanese diaspora and big-hearted everyday Americans, is delivering generosity and compassion to those in need all across Lebanon with no regard to religion or social status.  

My search to give back is over, but the mission is far from complete. Thank you for letting me share my journey with you.

Joe Khalil, Founder & Executive Director